Subject: [Tweeters] Baby bluebirds found dead
Date: May 15 21:26:41 2006
From: Inga Holmquist - ingawh at yahoo.com


Has anyone else noticed that there seem to be fewer bluebirds in Western Washington this season? I was deeply concerned when I checked my bluebird box in Roy, WA on Sunday, only to find all 4 babies inside had died. For several hours I remained in the area and scanned for any sign of the parents. Finally, I saw one male Western Bluebird about 50 yards from the box. That's as close as he got. I can only guess that the female died and that the babies died of exposure overnight. They appeared to be otherwise healthy - about 3 inches long, darkening, and early suggestions of feathers. This nest box in this area has successfully fledged 3 broods in the last 2 years. Any ideas what else may have happened? I don't see any other pairs of bluebirds around this yeat that may try again. Just tree swallows.

Inga Holmquist
P.O. Box 1141
Orting, WA 98360
ingawh at yahoo.com